Can our family handle TWO photographers?

Lately when I want to take pictures of E she isn't cooperative unless she has a camera as well. I pulled out my Powershot this afternoon because it was quick and available. Not too shabby on either of our parts, huh?

I think the funniest part of these two pictures is how we both hold the camera. Think she's seen me do this a few times?

Fun with photography at the zoo

I can't think of a better place to practice my new hobby than the zoo. I also can't think of a place that brings a faster smile to my daughter's face than the zoo, so we were all happy. My hubby was just happy that we were happy!

So, we saw lots and lots of animals and I took lots and lots of pictures. There is a stingray exhibit at the zoo right now and after paying six or seven dollars to see them, my daughter decided she was petrified and wouldn't touch the fish! This is the kid who LOVES all animals.

Well, here are three pictures I took. I think they turned out well. The only thing that bothers me is you can see a bit of the flash off the glass in the penguin picture. I'll have to get my photography teacher to teach me how to avoid that in the future.

Mini photo shoot!

So, the only time a little one in our house is still is when she's strapped into her booster seat and eating. I gave her some Pirate's Booty and proceeded to snap some pictures. I really liked two out of the 111 I took. Hooray for digital cameras!!!



Tell me what you think. The lighting could have been better, but I think these turned out great.

I have a camera!!!!

I am now the very, very proud owner of a Nikon D60. I went to the store and played with all of them and really liked the way the Nikon D60 and Canon Rebel XSi felt in my hands (the more powerful cameras were too big) but the Nikon was WAY cheaper than the Canon. I'm also more impressed with the more powerful Nikon's than Canon's so once I'm ready to upgrade (many, many years from now) I can still use any lenses I buy for my baby Nikon.

I am also going to take lessons from a photography friend (who reads the blog - hi!) and she's already sending me tips on ways to get started.

As soon as the battery charges fully and my daughter wakes up from her nap I'll snap some pictures and post. I can't WAIT!!!

Camera choices

So...I have lots of camera options but I thought I'd throw out a question for all you out in Blog land. If you own a DSLR camera, can you post a little something to tell me what you love and or hate about your camera? I'm especially interested in the Nikon D300, Canon Rebel XSi or the XTi.

Just throw out your thoughts. I'd also love to hear anything you have to say about lenses. I'm trying to learn about everything, but I'm still not even 100% knowledgeable about my Canon PowerShot. The good thing is the PowerShot is it is DSLR like, except (obviously) the lenses, so if I learn one, I'm hoping it'll translate.

And I've added a gratuitous photo of little E from this weekend!

Father's Day gift

I ordered this photo blown up to an 11x17 and will have it matted and framed for DH for Father's Day. I'm going to also buy a coffee mug for DH from baby because she OFTEN talks about "Daddy's Coffee"!

I think what I love most about this picture is how turning it to b/w hides so many problems. Here it is in color:

Fun side by side comparison

So...someone took my picture below of DD at Pump it Up and performed even more magic upon it. Take a look!

She added a side by side so I could see the difference. I love it - what do you think?

Now I'm a bit biased because my daughter it too cute for words, but I think the picture really brings out her personality! A little impish and very, very happy.

What do you think?

Thanks Bev!!!

Loving every minute of it!

Here are the two loves of my life.

Having fun with my new toy!

I'm enjoying PSE way more than the Corel program I had before. Maybe I didn't know how to use it or maybe I want to learn PSE more, but this is really, really fun!

Here are a couple of shots - an original and a b/w that I adjusted and love. I swear she reminds me of the Gremlins movie when Gizmo gets all crazy!



Isn't she beautiful???

It's starting

Part of the reason I'm really interested in new software and cameras is that I have decided to move from paper scrapbooking to digital. It all hit me one day when I realized if something were to happen to a paper scrapbook, that was it, but a digital one could be reproduced. This is especially important to me since I'm working on DDs lifebook. That will be a product I hope she reads, peruses and looks at it so much she'll need another copy.

Thus, going digital.

So...I put my first two pages together, but haven't figured out how to upload them yet. It's 2am so it's probably not the best time to figure it out, but I will.

'Night night!

The chicken or the egg???

I have a very nice Canon PowerShot S3 that I got on sale last year. It has some really great features and I haven't even learned how best to use everything on it.

I also now have Adobe Elements which is a really good software program.

The problem is I want the BEST of both, but can't afford them both at the same time. So which do I save for first?

My ultimate camera choice is the Canon Digital Rebel which ranges from $800-$1300. Yes, it's insane.

My ultimate software choice is Adobe Photoshop which runs around $600.

So I will obviously be able to buy the software first, but should I? And, yes, I know that the items I already have are perfectly adequate for my photography level (which is pretty much nothing!).

And does anyone out there have either who could help with this decision? I could also continue to just hire Maureen for stuff and forget about both! :o)

Who knew???

I've been having problems with my camera putting out grainy pix. Turns out it could be my ISO settings. According to http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ the higher the ISO the higher chance of a grainy photo.

Hmmm, off to check that out. BTW, that's a great site for tips if you're learning like me!

In honor of my first baby

I took this picture last spring and just loved how the two were looking at each other. No photography insight, just sadness as thankfulness that our furbaby was with us as long as she was.

Because I can't sleep...

I took Maureen's advice and played around with a Christmas photo that I love, it just needed something. I think this works! What do you think?

Vista issues and photography software

Now that I have my new computer, I am searching out some great photography software. I really want Photoshop but the trial killed my computer. Was this just me or is it really a bad situation with their compatibility???

Anyone have any ideas on some 'tweener software since $600 is a little out of my price range right now.

Some of my favorite pictures...

Thoughts on any of these? I'd love to hear some ideas on what I could have done better or what I do to enhance them.

I'm reviving my blog!

I'm hoping to track learning some photography skills and sharing with everyone as I go. I have the perfect subject, so it's time I learned what all my camera can do!!!